Lift dolly for use in conjunction with stand-mounted power tools and the like

ABSTRACT

A lift dolly is provided for lifting and transporting stand-mounted power tools and the like, with little effort. The dolly includes a pair of platforms and a wheel system having at least three castors extending downwardly from the platforms. The dolly is designed such that one step onto a latching or locking mechanism by the operator causes the wheel system to be forced downward relative to the stand thereby slightly lifting the power tool and stand off of the ground and enabling transport of same via the castors. Another step on the locking or latching mechanism disengages the wheel system and permits gravity to return the stand and tool firmly to the ground for use.

This application is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of 08/795,409, filed onFeb. 5, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,173, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates to a lift dolly which is adapted to lift andtransport stand-mounted power tools, and the like. More particularly,this invention relates to such a lift dolly which permits the operatorto lift the tool to be transported by simply stepping onto afoot-receiving surface thereby forcing the dolly's wheel system downwardrelative to the tool and into a position for supporting and transportingthe stand-mounted tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lift dollies are old and well-known in the art. Dollies have beenprovided which function to lift and move bulky machinery, plate glass,and the like. In such dollies, a hand actuated hydraulic jack typicallyraises and lowers forks for lifting the machinery after which the dollyand machinery may together be rolled along the floor/ground by way of apair of wheels mounted on the dolly.

Unfortunately, such dollies, while useful in transporting crates, plateglass, etc., are not adapted to lift and/or transport items such asstand-mounted power tools and the like due to the shape defined by legsof such stands.

In view of the above, it is apparent that there exists a need in the artfor a lift dolly capable of lifting and transporting, with littleeffort, stand-mounted objects, such as power tools. Preferably, such adolly should be simplistic, easy to use, and cost-effective tomanufacture.

It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill the above-described needsin the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, this invention fulfills the above-described needs inthe art by providing a lift dolly for lifting and transportingstand-mounted power tools and the like. In certain embodiments, thedolly includes a pair of rigid platforms and a wheel system having atleast three, and preferably four, castors extending downwardlytherefrom. The dolly is designed such that one step onto a footreceiving surface or member by the operator causes the wheel system tobe forced downward relative to the tool and its stand, and locked in atool-supporting position so as to slightly lift the power tool and standoff of the ground and enable transport of same. Another step by theoperator on the foot-receiving surface disengages (i.e.unlocks/unlatches) the wheel system and permits gravity to return thestand and tool to the ground for use.

This invention further fulfills the above-described needs in the art byproviding:

a dolly for selectively lifting and transporting a power tool mounted ona stand, the dolly comprising:

a first platform including a wheel system (e.g. castors) extendingdownwardly therefrom, and an actuation surface or member for receivingdownwardly applied pressure by an operator in order to lift the standand tool off of the ground;

a second platform including a wheel system extending downwardlytherefrom;

connection means for rigidly affixing the first platform to one portionof the stand, and means for rigidly affixing the second platform toanother portion of the stand;

the actuation surface or member of the first platform being locatedabove at least a portion of the second platform; and

lift means for lifting the stand and power tool off of the ground andenabling transport of same via the wheels, the lift means including aselectively actuated coupling means (e.g. latch) for selectivelycoupling the first and second platforms, and being actuated in responseto pressure applied downwardly onto the actuation surface or member thatforces the wheels downward so that the wheels, as opposed to the stand,support the power tool on the ground.

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lift dolly according to anembodiment of this invention, in its locked/lifting position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dolly in itsunlocked/lowering position.

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the dolly of FIGS. 1-2mounted to a stand which supports a table saw, the dolly beingillustrated in the unlocked position where the stand solely supports thesaw.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary right side elevational view of the dolly ofFIGS. 1-3 mounted to the table saw stand of FIG. 3, the dollyillustrated in the locked position where the table saw and stand aresupported on the ground by the wheels so as to enable transport.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 1-4 dolly mounted to thestand, illustrating the dolly in its unlocked position where the standcontacts the ground.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the FIG. 1-5 dollymounted to the stand, illustrating the dolly in its locked and liftingposition where the stand is lifted from the ground and the stand and saware supported on the ground primarily by the wheels.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the latching/locking system used toconnect the first and second dolly platforms of FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a dolly according to another embodimentof this invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of part of the FIG. 7 latchingmechanism, illustrating the attachment of the biasing spring to the malelatch member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings in whichlike reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the severalviews.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, it is seen that the lift dolly of the presentinvention, generally denoted by reference numeral 10, includes firstrigid platform 12 having proximal end 14 and distal end 16 and secondrigid platform 18 having proximal end 20 and distal end 22. Firstplatform 12 includes generally flat, triangular, and trapezoidal frameportion 24, including rigid elongated members 3-5, that may be open (asillustrated) or closed (e.g. a solid or quasi-solid metal sheet or thelike). The wheel system of first platform 12 may include, for example, afirst pair of castor stems 28, each having a castor 30 thereon, whichextend downwardly from frame 24 proximate distal end 16 of platform 12.Alternatively, other types of known wheels may be used in place ofcastors 30 to support lift dolly 10.

For example, the wheel system of each platform may simply include asingle elongated rotating cylinder instead of the illustrated castors!,so that only two wheels are provided on the entire device. It should benoted, however, that according to this cylinder-inclusive embodiment,the dolly would only be mobile in one direction as opposed to alldirections this is, of course, acceptable in certain embodiments of thisinvention!.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 7, and 9, platform 12 further includes, as partof the latching mechanism, foot receiving surface or pedal 25 mounted ontop of respective ends of members 3 and 4, downwardly extending maleportion 48 of the latching mechanism that is pivotally mounted belowsurface 25, mounting member 47 affixed to one of members 3 or 4 (or toplate 25), and pivot axis 49 about which male portion 48 pivots relativeto mounting member 47.

Second platform 18 is smaller in size than platform 12, and includesgenerally flat, triangular, and trapezoidal frame portion 32, thatincludes rigid elongated members 6-9. Frame 32 may be open (asillustrated) or closed. A second pair of castor stems 34, each having acastor 30 thereon, extend downwardly from frame 32 proximate distal end22 and crossbar 9 thereof.

Platform 18 further includes, as part of the latch/lock assembly, rigidU-shaped member 50 that projects from the inner vertical surface ofcrossbar 9, vertically extending projection or cam surface 51 thatextends from the upper horizontal surface of crossbar 9, latchingaperture or void 52 (see FIG. 7) defined in the bottom surface ofU-shaped member 50, and locking crossbar 59 which locks the latchingmechanism by fitting into cutout or notch 58 of male member 48. Althoughthe cam surface is defined by projection 51 in the illustratedembodiments, this surface may be defined by other portions of platform18 or the female portion of the latching mechanism.

With regard to platforms 12, 18, and frames 24, 32 thereof, theplatforms illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 are open (i.e. they are made up ofthe frame, which includes a plurality of rigid members connected to oneanother at corners of the frame). However, it will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that platforms 12 and 18 (as well as frames 24and 32) may be of any of a number of different shapes or designs,provided that the essential function of the dolly is not compromised.For example, each platform may be made up of a planar or arced sheet ofrigid material (e.g. sheet metal) that is void of any elongated framemembers. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the illustrated anddiscussed latching mechanism is exemplary and the invention is notlimited thereto. Other known latching mechanisms which permit selectiveattachment of the platforms may instead be used.

Mounting members (or anchor plates) 38 are attached to the four cornersof dolly 10 for the purpose of affixing the dolly to the four legs ofthe stand 55 which supports an item such as power tool 57 (e.g. tablesaw). Other power tools such as drills, lathes, etc. may also be mountedon stand 55, as may objects other than power tools. For example, it hasfurther been found that the dolly 10 can be advantageously used inconnection with or built into a wide variety of other devices such astables, workbenches, medical equipment, chairs, engine lifts, filingcabinets, copiers and other office equipment to facilitate liftingand/or transport thereof. Each mounting member 38 is pivotally attachedto the corresponding platform and/or frame and is rotatable about avertical axis so that the platforms may be mounted to different sides oflegs of different sized stands 55.

In order to utilize lift dolly 10 to perform its intended function,first platform 12 is positioned proximate an object 55, 57 (e.g.stand-mounted power tool) to be lifted. Each mounting member or anchorplate 38 is secured to a different leg of object 55, 57. This securementcan be accomplished in any appropriate fashion, including insertion ofbolts attached to plates 38 through corresponding apertures defined inthe legs of stand 55.

Once anchor plates 38 of platform 12 are secured to object 55, 57, theweight of the object causes first platform 12 to be oriented so thatcastors 30 merely rest on the ground without supporting the object (i.e.while the wheels 30 may touch the ground or be slightly raisedtherefrom, the stand may not be moved as the legs are the primary toolsupport, and use of the tool is unaffected). See FIG. 3.

Second platform 18 is secured to the other end of object 55, 57 to belifted in a similar fashion to the securement of first platform 12 toobject 55, 57 (i.e. platform 12 is attached to first and second legs ofstand 55, while platform 18 is attached to third and fourth legs of thestand). When second platform 18 is secured, it is oriented with itsproximal end 20 terminating beneath first platform 12. See FIG. 3.

In order to lift object 55, 57 off of the ground in order to move it viathe dolly, downward pressure is exerted by an operator or user(preferably by the foot of the operator) on foot-receiving surface orplatform 25 proximate end 14 of frame 24. When end 14 of platform 12 ispressed downward, spring-biased male portion 48 is inserted throughaperture 52 (see FIG. 7) of the latch's female portion, with thespring-bias then causing the latching mechanism to lock the twoplatforms 12 and 18 together as cutout or notch 58 in male 48 receiveslocking member or crossbar 59 due to the biasing of male 48 towardlocking member 59 by spring 71 (see FIG. 9).

When crossbar 59 is locked in notch 58, castors 30 of both platformshave been forced downward and are held there contacting the ground in asupporting manner as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, thereby lifting stand 55and tool 57 off of the ground so that they can be wheeled across theground and transported. As discussed, when rigid platform 12 is forceddownward by the operator, elongated members 3 and 4 engage end 20 andcrossbar 8 of second platform 18 thereby causing downward movement offrame 32 relative to the stand, and thus castors 30 of platform 18 alsobecome supportive of the stand and tool as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Whenthe first and second platforms are generally horizontal (e.g. see FIGS.4 and 6), the stand and tool are lifted off of the ground by all fourwheels or castors and are ready for lateral transport on the ground.

It is noted that the first pair of castor stems 28 may be longer thanthe second pair of castor stems 34 in order to assure level positioningof dolly 10, or alternatively one or both of frames 24 and 32 may bebent or curved to accomplish the same result.

In certain embodiments, platforms 12 and 18 are not secured to oneanother in any fashion, except via the legs of the stand, and by latchmechanism 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, and 59 when it is locked. Thus, whendolly 10 is in its passive or non-lifting position (see FIGS. 2, 3, and5), the two platforms are not directly connected together in certainembodiments, although the bottom surfaces of members 3 and 4 rest uponthe top of crossbar 8 of platform 18, and the legs of stand 55indirectly couple the platforms.

When the operator presses down on surface 25, male portion 48 becomeslocked within the female portion 50, 52, 59 of the latch mechanismthereby locking the wheels or castors in their supporting position and,at the same time, coupling the two platforms (see FIGS. 7 and 9 for adetailed view of the latch mechanism). When the wheels are in asupportive position and the latch is locked thereby coupling theplatforms together, stand 55 and tool 57 may be rolled along the groundand transported.

In certain alternative embodiments, platforms 12 and 18 may be attachedto one another at a location in addition to the latching mechanism (e.g.at bar 8). However, regardless of whether the platforms are additionallyattached, they are to be selectively coupled via the latching mechanism.

FIG. 9 illustrates the attachment of biasing spring 71 to mountingmember 47 and male member 48 of the latching mechanism. Pins 72 areprovided for attaching spring 71 to these members so that spring 71biases member 48 toward crossbar 59 when the center of gravity of member48 is on the crossbar 59 side of axis 63, and away from crossbar 59 whenthe center of gravity of the male member is on the other side of axis63.

Referring to FIG. 7, when it is desired to lower the stand and tool fromits lifted position, the operator simply steps on surface 25 in order torelease the latch and allow gravity to lower the stand and tool to theground for use. When the operator steps on surface 25 when the latch islocked, male portion 48 is caused to move further downward throughaperture 52 in a manner so that upwardly angled surface 61 of member 48slides along the inner surface of crossbar 59. The sliding of angledsurface 61 of member 48 along crossbar 59 causes male member 48 to pivotabout axis 49 in a direction away from crossbar 59 and to the oppositeside of axis 63 that extends through each of members 47 and 48 and axis49.

When male member 48 reaches the other side of axis 63, the spring causesmember 48 to be biased in the opposite pivotal direction (i.e. away fromcrossbar 59 as viewed in FIG. 7) so that when the operator lifts his/herfoot off of surface 25, stand 55 falls to the ground as male member 48moves upwardly through aperture 52 and is biased away from crossbar 59.On its way upward away from aperture 52 and crossbar 59 during therelease/unlocking process, the side of member 48 opposite cutout 58contacts projection (or cam surface) 51 which causes member 48 to moveback to the crossbar 59 side of axis 63 so that when male member 48 isagain pressed downward through aperture 52, the spring will bias member48 toward crossbar 59 which will come to rest within cutout 58 therebylocking together the platforms of the dolly with the stand and tool inthe raised or lifted position.

FIG. 8 illustrates dolly 10 according to another embodiment of thisinvention. This embodiment is different than the previously describedembodiment(s) in that anchor plates 38 are replaced with crossbarmembers 81 and 82 which are part of frames 24 and 32, respectively. Thetwo platforms are attached to the four legs of stand 55 by way ofcrossbars 81-82, and the mounting apertures 83 defined therein. Boltsare fed through apertures 83 and the stand legs in order to mount thedolly to the stand. Furthermore, all other elongated members (3, 4, 6,7, and 8) of the frames or platforms are telescopic in this embodimentin order to allow the dolly to mount onto different sized stands 55 andtools 57. Thus, these telescopic elongated members each include an innerelongated member and an outer elongated member which are axiallyadjustable relative to one another in order to alter the lengths ofmembers 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8.

Once given the above disclosure, therefore, various other modifications,features, or improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan.Such other features, modifications, and improvements are thus consideredto be a part of this invention, the scope of which is to be determinedby the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A dolly for selectively lifting and transporting a powertool mounted on a stand, the dolly comprising:a first platform includinga wheel system extending downwardly therefrom, said first platformfurther including an actuation surface or member for receivingdownwardly applied pressure in order to lift the stand and tool off ofthe ground; a second platform including a wheel system extendingdownwardly therefrom; said first platform adapted to be rigidly affixedto one portion of the stand, and said second platform adapted to berigidly affixed to another portion of the stand; said actuation surfaceor member of said first platform is being located above at least aportion of said second platform; lift means for moving the dolly from apassive position to a lift position thereby lifting the stand and powertool off of the ground and enabling the power tool to be moved on theground via said wheel systems, said lift means including a selectivelyactuated means for selectively coupling said first and second platformsto one another, and being actuated in response to downwardly appliedpressure being applied to said actuation surface or member that forceswheels of said wheel systems downward so that said wheel systems, asopposed to the stand, support the power tool on the ground; and whereinsaid first platform includes first, second and third elongated members,and said second platform includes first, second, and third elongatedmembers, and wherein at least a portion of said second and thirdelongated members of said first platform is located at an elevationhigher than at least one of said first, second and third elongatedmembers of said second platform when the wheel systems are supportingthe power tool.
 2. The dolly of claim 1, wherein said means forselectively coupling further comprises latch means, operativelyassociated with said actuation surface or member, for joining a portionof said first platform to a portion of said second platform in order toforce said wheel systems downward and lift the stand and tool off of theground.
 3. The dolly of claim 2, wherein said latch means includes amale member affixed to one of said platforms and a corresponding femalemember affixed to the other of said platforms for receiving said malemember.
 4. The dolly of claim 2, wherein at least part of said latchmeans is located on a fourth elongated member connecting opposite sidesof said second platform.
 5. The dolly of claim 1, wherein each of saidplatforms includes a frame which is one of (i) triangular-shaped; (ii)rectangular-shaped; and (iii) trapezoidal-shaped.
 6. The dolly of claim1, further including connection means for affixing said first platformto the stand, the connection means including first and second memberspivotally attached to said first platform.
 7. The dolly of claim 6,wherein said first pivotally attached member is connected to said firstelongated member of said first platform proximate an end thereof, andsaid second pivotally attached member is connected to said secondelongated member of said first platform proximate an end thereof.
 8. Thedolly of claim 7, wherein the wheel system of said first platformincludes a pair of wheels and said wheels of said first platform areattached to said first and second elongated members, respectively. 9.The dolly of claim 1, wherein said first and second rigid elongatedmembers of said first platform are connected by a crossbar member, andsaid first and second rigid elongated members of said second platformare connected by another crossbar member, and wherein said first andsecond rigid elongated members of said first platform contact the top ofsaid another crossbar member of said second platform when the dolly isin its lifting position so as to lift the stand and tool.
 10. The dollyof claim 1, wherein each of said wheel systems includes a pair of castorwheels.
 11. A lift dolly adapted to lift and enable transport of anobject, the lift dolly comprising:a first rigid platform adapted to berigidly affixed to one part of the object, said first platform includingfirst and second elongated members; a second rigid platform adapted tobe rigidly affixed to another portion of the object, said secondplatform including first and second elongated members; said firstplatform selectively coupleable to said second platform; said first andsecond platforms operatively associated with one another so as to enablethe object to be lifted off of the ground by applying downward pressureto said first platform which causes coupling of said first and secondplatforms; said first and second platforms operatively associated withone another so as to enable lowering of the object to the ground byapplying additional downward pressure to said first platform whichcauses decoupling of said first and second platforms; said first andsecond elongated members of said first platform located in part directlyabove first and second wheels connected to said first platform,respectively.
 12. The dolly of claim 11, wherein first and secondelongated members of said second platform are in part located directlyabove first and second wheels connected to said second platform,respectively.
 13. The dolly of claim 12, wherein said first platformfurther includes a third elongated member extending between said firstand second elongated members of said first platform, and said secondplatform further includes a third elongated member extending betweensaid first and second elongated members of said second platform.
 14. Thedolly of claim 13, wherein said first and second elongated members ofsaid first platform define a first plane, and said first and secondelongated members of said second platform define a second plane thatintersects said first plane.